With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’re celebrating not only the extraordinary role of our own mothers, aunties, sisters and nurturing figures but also the incredible mothers we’re lucky enough to call colleagues and friends.
From left to right: Kat, Jenna, Candice
Allow us to introduce you to Kat, our e-commerce manager making your experience when you add to cart on our website seamless; Jenna, the friendly voice you hear on the other side of the phone when you call customer service; and Candice, our accessories buyer, aka the lady behind all those dreamy gifts and accessories on your wish list.
We were fortune to catch up with them at our Max Newmarket store recently, where they shared some advice they wish they’d received before becoming a mother and personal discoveries they’ve made along the way. If you’re in need of some inspiration for Mother’s Day gifts, they also shared what their little ones would choose for them and their own picks for their beloved mum.
What is one of the greatest things you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mother?
Kat:
Since becoming a mum, I've figured out that being in the moment is where it's at. Just enjoying the small things, without stressing about what's ahead or what's passed. It's all about diving into the now and relishing every part of this wild ride called motherhood.
Jenna:
In the last year and a half of being a mother, I have learnt a lot of different things, but I think the biggest thing was a newfound respect for my mum. Growing up I loved my parents dearly but as soon as I became a mum myself it was like my mum who's my world made so much more sense because I could relate to her. I love that I was privileged enough to walk alongside my mum in motherhood.
Candice:
Before having children, I never realised just how much patience I possessed or how much I would need it. Parenthood has taught me to remain calm in the face of chaos (it’s always beautiful chaos though) and to approach challenges at home and outside environments with a sense of understanding and resilience.
What would be a piece of advice you wish someone had told you about being a mum?
Kat:
You know, I wish someone had told me that it's okay not to have all the answers. Being a mum doesn't come with a manual - Trusting your instincts and giving yourself space to learn as you go is key. So, my advice would be: don't sweat the small stuff, trust yourself, and embrace the journey—it's messy, beautiful, and oh-so worth it.
Jenna:
I wish someone had told me that being a mum is chaotic and calm all in one, that the good days are wild and fun and everything you can think of. That the bad days end and you learn from them. That the mistakes don't mean you're a bad mum but one that's learning and bettering themselves every day. A bit of advice I would give is just be you, you are your child's whole world and in their eyes, you are perfect.
Candice:
Take everything you read or hear with a grain of salt. It may or may not be relevant to you and your child and only (and dad) you will know that. Trust your instincts and go with gut feelings, it usually knows what’s up.
If your little one could choose a gift from our gifting range, what do you think they’d choose and why?
Kat:
She’d 100% choose the raspberry sugar because you know, it’s pink sugar – her two favourites. But she’d nail it, because I couldn’t think of anything better than a cocktail to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Jenna:
With the help of her dad, they would pick so pick one of our pottery for the planet mugs and a good book or the Woodsy Bath Lovers Duo. I couldn't think of anything else that screams "relaxation" than a cup of coffee or tea in the bath with a good book.
Candice:
There are no questions about it, they would head straight for the Icons of Style: Taylor Swift book. Both of my girls are obsessed with Taylor Swift and my Spotify algorithm knows that too.
We know your presence is a present, but if you had to choose a gift from our gifting range for your mum, what would it be and why?
Kat:
A Keith Grinter Glass, because mum and I did a glass blowing course at Keith’s Whangarei studio – the glasses are beautiful, and it was such a fantastic experience to share with mum.
Jenna:
The Modeletto Pottery Kit. As a creative person, the arts for me and my mum have always been a space to refill our cups. As mums, we don't get much time to ourselves. So, I feel like I would be able to get a bit of a break from mum life and enjoy some creative mum time with my mum.
Candice:
Mum has quite the green thumb; I always know I can find her in the garden. After a day of gardening, she’d love some TLC with Nude Kiwi Hand Serum.
